A Knoevenagel Initiated Annulation Reaction Using Room Temperature or Microwave ConditionsA. Gilbert CookThe product of a Knoevenagel initiated annulation reaction is identified through a guided prelab exercise of the synthesis of the Hagemann ester, and then through the analysis of GCMS, NMR, and IR spectra. The stereochemistry of the product is determined through the NMR spectrum and Karplus curve, and the student is required to write a mechanism for the reaction.Cook, A. Gilbert. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1477.

Aldehydes / Ketones |

Conformational Analysis |

Gas Chromatography |

IR Spectroscopy |

Mass Spectrometry |

Mechanisms of Reactions |

NMR Spectroscopy |

Stereochemistry |

Synthesis

The Aldol Addition and Condensation: The Effect of Conditions on Reaction PathwayR. David Crouch, Amie Richardson, Jessica L. Howard, Rebecca L. Harker, and Kathryn H. BarkerDescribes an experiment offering the opportunity for students to observe the critical role that reaction temperature and base strength have in determining the product of the base-mediated addition of a ketone to an aldehyde.Crouch, R. David; Richardson, Amie; Howard, Jessica L.; Harker, Rebecca L.; Barker, Kathryn H. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 475.

Using Building-Block Puzzles To Practice Drawing Organic MechanismsEnder ErdikThis pencil-and-paper activity is designed to test the ability of students in writing intermediates and products in the reactions of ketones. An undergraduate student who is successful in organic chemistry at the sophomore level is expected to fill in empty boxes with the appropriate "building blocks", which are atoms and atom groups (neutral or ionic). Solving the puzzle will give the formulas of reactants, reactive intermediates, and products. Students test their understanding of reaction mechanisms while having fun.Erdik, Ender. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1325.

A novel ketone derivativeMelamedi, Dan; Pickering, MilesThe authors propose the use of thioketals as derivatives as a safer alternative that also illustrates an interesting but rarely visited corner of undergraduate organic chemistry.Melamedi, Dan; Pickering, Miles J. Chem. Educ.1991, 68, 1046.